The “Casa de Agua” kiosk in Plaza Blas Infante, Sabinillas, offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to bottled water. One of its main goals is to promote the use of local mains water while reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles—supporting EU efforts to reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.
This initiative helps lower waste production and transport emissions, cutting down pollution and carbon footprint. It’s estimated that families can save around €400 per year by using this system instead of purchasing bottled water.
The Casa del Agua treats municipal tap water through a comprehensive purification system that enhances quality while preserving essential minerals. The process begins with microfiltration, which removes impurities such as sediment, chlorine residues, and microplastics. This step ensures that the water is clear and free of unpleasant tastes or odours, making it more appealing and healthier to drink.
Following microfiltration, the water passes through activated carbon filters, which further purify it by absorbing organic compounds and any remaining traces of chlorine. The final stage is ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation, a non-chemical process that neutralises bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, guaranteeing microbiological safety. In models offering sparkling water, carbonation is added using food-grade CO₂. The system operates automatically, with regular ozone and UV-C cleaning of dispensing nozzles, ensuring hygienic delivery every time. This multi-stage treatment makes the Casa del Agua a reliable source of safe, great-tasting water with a minimal environmental footprint.
Before it was temporarily closed during the Covid pandemic, the Casa de Agua had already dispensed more than 104,000 litres—equivalent to eliminating over 69,000 1.5-litre plastic bottles and 2,190 kg of PET waste. It also prevented the release of more than 12,000 kg of CO₂, while saving residents over €16,000 compared to shop-bought bottled water.
Now back in operation thanks to the Saint George Charity, which has taken on the facility’s concession, the kiosk is open 24/7 and easy to use. Simply insert coins (from 5 cents to €2) or use a rechargeable card. Place your bottle under the dispenser, select still or sparkling water, choose your desired quantity, and the machine will automatically stop once the amount is reached.
Rechargeable cards are available for €3 from the Saint George Charity Shop or the Sabinillas Bookshop, and include €2 credit. The current prices are:
Still water: 10¢ for 0.5L, 15¢ for 1L, 20¢ for 1.5L
Sparkling water: 15¢ for 0.5L, 20¢ for 1L, 25¢ for 1.5L
Please note: the machine does not give change, so exact money is required if paying with coins.
The kiosk can be found in the Plaza de Blas Infante, on Calle Espinosa opposite Las Brasas restaurant.
How to use the Casa de Agua
The Casa de Agua is simple to use, with chilled, filtered fresh water available either still or sparkling.
- Insert the correct coins for the desired quantity of water. Water is available in ½ litre; 1 litre; or 1 and a 1/2 litres, both still and sparkling. The machine accepts 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, 1€ and 2€ coins only. Please remember the machine cannot give change so please insert the correct amount. Or – you can use the special card, available from the Sabinillas Bookshop for 3€ with 2€ credit.
- Place the card in the clear plastic holder (2) next to the coin slot and the machine will deduct the correct amount of credit as required. You can charge the card with more credit by placing it in the holder and inserting money in the coin slot.
- Select still or sparkling water.
- Place an empty bottle on the tray beneath the dispenser.
- 5Select the amount of water required.
